A novel AC/DC converter for high current and low voltage applications

In this paper a new configuration for AC/DC conversion in high current and low voltage applications is presented. The proposed converter is a combination of AC/AC regulator, star-zigzag transformer and half-wave diode rectifier. This system is recommended to be used instead of thyristor-controlled rectifiers in that it offers some advantageous such as reduced iron and copper losses as rectified voltage decreases. In addition, in thyristor-controlled rectifiers, the efficiency of rectification is unsatisfactory as the firing angle of thyristors increases. This paper discusses the working principles of the proposed system and then different types of powers such as active, reactive and distortion power and the efficiency are compared between the proposed converter and thyristor-controlled rectifier. Simulation results and theoretical analysis show the priority of the proposed system in high current and low voltage applications.